Over three years, Small Island Big Song evolved from visits to 16 Island Nations, and work with over 100 artists, solo artists, elders, community groups and grassroots musicians, all recorded in their homelands in nature using traditional instruments and languages, with each contributing to each other’s songs. The result is a surprising and stunning musical collaboration reuniting the distant yet interconnected musical traditions of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. In 2018, the collaboration

Enriching the medium as America’s first all female mariachi ensemble, Reyna de Los Angeles® bring sensitivity, beauty, warmth and vivacious spirit to the historic art of mariachi.

Reyna has blazed the trail for female mariachi musicians. In a musical landscape where songs are often written by men, from male perspectives, Reyna has created its own history. As such, in 2018 Smithsonian Folkways selected Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles® as the latest artist in its’ Traditions Series of Latino music albums, produced with support from the Smithsonian Latino Center.

Established in 1994, the group had a strong beginning thanks to the mentorship of

Mariachi Master Jóse Hernàndez and his Sol de Mexico have history as rich and colorful as Mariachi music itself. A proud fifth generation Mariachi musician, Maestro Hernàndez’ roots trace back to 1879, to the birthplace of Mariachi, the state of Jalisco, Mexico.

No one else on the Mariachi music scene navigates the warm waters of classical, pop, jazz, swing and Broadway tunes with such grace. Even to those weaned on traditional Mariachi, Jose’s organic, irreverent renditions hare become instant classics.

Under the leadership of Hernàndez, Mariachi Sol de Mexico are the only Mariachi group in the world that performs in the classical

Loudon’s long and illustrious career is highlighted by more than two dozen album releases, Movie and TV credits, and now his new autobiography, Liner Notes (2017 Penguin/Random House). In 2010 Grammy for Best Traditional Folk Album for High Wide & Handsome: The Charlie Poole Project. His 2012 recording, Older Than My Old Man Now, was named one of NPR’s Top 10 Albums of the Year. September 2018, Loudon releases his 27th career album to-date, Years In The Making, a retrospective double CD with more than 45 tracks – live performances, demos, outtakes,

Karla Bonoff has been described as one of the finest singer/songwriters of her generation. That description is not hyperbole.

Bonoff has enjoyed critical acclaim, commercial success, enduring popularity and the unwavering respect of her peers. Karla has seen her songs become hits for Bonnie Raitt, Wynonna Judd, and Linda Ronstadt. Many of Bonoff’s ballads are classics.

Karla has continued to tour extensively, playing sold-out shows around the world. Hearing Karla’s moving vocals on her rich, expressive songs is like standing beneath a sparkling waterfall–refreshing, exhilarating, restorative. Experiencing them live can be transformative.